Wooden figure chenxiangmu "Guanyin", Qing dynasty

A beautiful chenxiangmu wood carving made in one piece. It depicts a stylized Guanyin seated on an elliptical lotus base, with her legs crossed in the lotus position. The right hand rests on the knee with the fingers facing downwards, while the right hand also rests on the knee, but holds a scroll with the palm facing upwards.

The face is serene with half-open eyes and a fine nose. The ears are elongated, and the hair is straight and tied back in great detail, above which is held a beautiful crown of ruyi clouds with a central Buddha. The body is covered with a fine robe decorated with long ribbons, and a pendant of circular beads hangs from its neck. This piece is remarkable for the superb quality of the carving and the meticulous detailing, as well as for the patina produced by the passage of time. 

Chenxiangmu wood is one of the most highly prized woods in Chinese culture for its medicinal and aromatic qualities, and is even used as incense. There are few large figures carved from this wood, as it is extremely rare. Qing Dynasty (1644 and 1912) 

Size: 32.5 x 14 x 17.5 cm

Weight: 780 gr

Provenance:

- Important European private collection.

References: 

- Sotheby's (21/06/2021) Arts d'Asie. Lot 47